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The Dry, 2020
Investigator Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) left his hometown as a teen when he became the suspect in the murder of his girlfriend, Ellie. But when Aaron's childhood friend Luke allegedly kills his wife and one of his children, Luke's parents beg Aaron to investigate the murder. Aaron's presence in the town resurrects questions about Ellie's death.
I always have such mixed feelings when a novel I like is adapted to film. This is especially true with novels that rely heavily on what happens inside the characters' heads, as this can be tricky to put on screen. I really enjoyed Jane Harper's novel of the same name, and sadly this film adaptation doesn't quite manage to translate the power of its narrative.
The main issue lies in the way that the film handles the balance of the present and past stories. Flashbacks can be a powerful tool when used well, but in this film they are done in the most workmanlike way possible. From what I remember, the film does unspool the information in roughly the same sequence as in the novel, but there's a real disconnect between what we are shown of the past and what happens in the present.
The performances are okay. I thought that Bana was a bit subdued for my taste. It fits the character, who is withdrawn, but it means that a lot of sequences lack spark or intensity. There are some good supporting performances, including Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Aaron's father, who both knows that his son did not kill Ellie and that Aaron is lying about where he was when she was killed. Eddie Baroo makes a strong impression in a small role as the owner of the bar/inn where Aaron stays, and his animated performance and likable character really elevate his scenes. Renee Lim also brings a nice, jittery energy to her role, as a woman who is clearly hiding something.
Both mysteries are pretty interesting, but they unfold in a way that is far too relaxed. The horrific murders of both past and present surely deserve more anger and emotion. Instead the pace of the movie simply marches you toward the conclusion.
Passable, but working from such a solid novel it feels like it should have been more.
The Dry, 2020
Investigator Aaron Falk (Eric Bana) left his hometown as a teen when he became the suspect in the murder of his girlfriend, Ellie. But when Aaron's childhood friend Luke allegedly kills his wife and one of his children, Luke's parents beg Aaron to investigate the murder. Aaron's presence in the town resurrects questions about Ellie's death.
I always have such mixed feelings when a novel I like is adapted to film. This is especially true with novels that rely heavily on what happens inside the characters' heads, as this can be tricky to put on screen. I really enjoyed Jane Harper's novel of the same name, and sadly this film adaptation doesn't quite manage to translate the power of its narrative.
The main issue lies in the way that the film handles the balance of the present and past stories. Flashbacks can be a powerful tool when used well, but in this film they are done in the most workmanlike way possible. From what I remember, the film does unspool the information in roughly the same sequence as in the novel, but there's a real disconnect between what we are shown of the past and what happens in the present.
The performances are okay. I thought that Bana was a bit subdued for my taste. It fits the character, who is withdrawn, but it means that a lot of sequences lack spark or intensity. There are some good supporting performances, including Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Aaron's father, who both knows that his son did not kill Ellie and that Aaron is lying about where he was when she was killed. Eddie Baroo makes a strong impression in a small role as the owner of the bar/inn where Aaron stays, and his animated performance and likable character really elevate his scenes. Renee Lim also brings a nice, jittery energy to her role, as a woman who is clearly hiding something.
Both mysteries are pretty interesting, but they unfold in a way that is far too relaxed. The horrific murders of both past and present surely deserve more anger and emotion. Instead the pace of the movie simply marches you toward the conclusion.
Passable, but working from such a solid novel it feels like it should have been more.